Lite-House Surfdale Development

Home Details

Land Area

812 m2 m2

Building area

475 m2 m2

Year built

2009

Rooms

1 bedroom(s), 2 bathroom(s)

The Lite-House development on Waiheke Island is a mixed-use building with a luxury one bedroom apartment and three office spaces. The development has received multiple industry awards including:

- RMB 2010 House of the Year - Winner Sustainable Home $500k - $1m and three Gold Reserve Awards - in residential, commercial and sustianble categories - ADNZ's New Residential up to 250sq

The building showcases high levels of building workmanship (Lite-House is a Registered Master Builder and NZGBC member) whilst adhering to the company's philosophy of using ecologically responsible building methods and materials without compromising aesthetics. For more information visit www.lite-house.co.nz

Significant features include Australasia's first vertical axis wind turbine putting power back into the grid, an array of photovoltaic panels, trombe wall, and full in-home automation.

Whilst the office spaces are in use, the apartment is open as a showhome until early 2011 - to make an appointment to view call 0800 372 100 or email bryce@lite-house.co.nz

The building is located on a busy road in a retail zone which has predominantly been used for residential use. A mixed-use flexible design integrates with neighbours but provides for changes in use in the future. This in itself is a major sustainability feature.

Extensive research over 12 months was required to get the right material mix with sustainable credentials including thermal computer modeling of the complex to forecast performance and make appropriate decisions on active and passive systems employed.

The design mimics the bach vernacular with vertical shadowclad cladding and simple mono-pitch roof, broken in length by a recessed alfresco outdoor living area reading as two buildings linked by a Louvretec covered deck.

Two seemingly floating light boxes protrude from east and western elevations, with the transparent nature of the Suntuff Multi polycarbonate exposing the LBL beam portal skeleton. The western box allows sun to heat up the Trombe Wall which rises through 2 1/2 levels in the stairwell/entry area.

Full home automation ensures the Lite-House home thinks for itself to achieve and comfortable, economical and energy efficient living environment. Systems manage audio, visual, entertainment, lighting, security, blinds, automated windows, thermostats for heating and cooling, louvretec roofs and shades, wireless networking and energy generation through photovoltaics, vertical axis wind turbine, including monitoring and control. All the technology is seamlessly contained with a sleek, warm, minimalist interior.

Cabinetry, appliances and fittings to kitchens and bathrooms not only meet the sustainability criteria, but provide a luxurious, classy, timeless style.

At every stage of the design and build, sustainability was a key concern. Some examples of our approach: